DIRECTV Headquarters

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Video service provider DIRECTV was eager to update their workplace and give their employees the dynamic environment they needed to thrive in today’s increasingly competitive landscape. In lieu of a build-to-suit, they asked us to design a campus within the existing architecture that cultivates a high-energy work environment and fosters innovation. The result is a LEED Platinum certified project (Phase I) and the largest office space lease in Los Angeles in the past 10 years.

The campus program includes an executive suite, offices, dining facilities, media exhibition and expansive gathering space, health & wellness amenities, as well as extensive flexible work space allowing employees to work in various settings independently or in teams. Sustainability was paramount throughout the entire design process. In order to obtain LEED Platinum certification, the project fulfills a rigorous set of requirements that employ innovative approaches to site, energy and atmosphere and materials and resources. The use of low-emitting materials and furniture for the project reflect an innovative and sustainable atmosphere.

As one circulates through the headquarters they are overcome by the project’s unique experiential qualities. A carefully calibrated circulation strategy knits programmatic elements together and immerses the individual in a narration of DIRECTV’s image of the future of television and media. One of the most impactful parts of this journey is the Cyclone—a large-scale articulated LED display that surrounds the main entry with a visual and aural sensory experience that describes DIRECTV’s vision. The individual carries this stimulating spatial connection with them as they move through the headquarters—creating a memorable experience.

Working closely with the client, the designers vigorously studied site plan, program, space standards and technical requirements to understand how to deliver the most efficient and thoughtful design. During this discovery phase, the designers interviewed 42 departments on spatial requirements; spoke with over 300 individuals at the Executive and Senior Leadership level and over 1,000 Employees on work process.

This exhaustive research revealed that the new workplace needed to increase the quantity of collaborative spaces and was made a priority in the final design. As a result, at any given time, 66% of occupants have an additional space to work in, outside of their personal workspace. The inclusion of widespread collaborative workspace enhances productivity and performance and sparks far-reaching teamwork.

The new design drastically departs from the historical precedent of DIRECTV’s spatial origin. The original layout included high paneled workstations surrounded by fully enclosed private offices at the perimeter—a siloed configuration that limited access to natural light. In response, the new design opens the space to maximize daylight and views for all by placing private offices at the core of the building and equipping workstations with significantly lower panels. Opening the floorplan is just one example of how the new headquarters embraces an innovative workplace strategy that allows DIRECTV’s broad range of employees to work in a collaborative and inspiring environment that truly embodies their brand.